Recursive Origins: Writing at the Transition to Modernity

Embark on a groundbreaking journey through literary history with William Kuskin's "Recursive Origins: Writing at the Transition to Modernity." This first edition paperback challenges conventional periodization, urging readers to reconsider the dynamic relationship between literary form and historical context. Kuskin expertly dismantles the traditional divide between the Middle Ages and modernity, revealing the intricate ways in which sixteenth-century literary giants consciously engaged with and drew inspiration from their fifteenth-century predecessors. Forget the rigid firewall of 1500! Kuskin meticulously demonstrates how writers like Philip Sidney, Edmund Spenser, and William Shakespeare, along with the Holinshed Syndicate, were deeply influenced by the works of Thomas Hoccleve, John Lydgate, William Caxton, and the anonymous London Chronicles. He unveils how these earlier textual forms resonate within the most significant expressions of literary modernity, creating a rich tapestry of intertextuality and historical consciousness. This isn't just another literary history; it's a profound rethinking of how we understand the evolution of literature. Kuskin doesn't merely critique the limitations of period-based analysis, he introduces the powerful concept of "recursivity" as a hermeneutic tool. Drawing from computer science, where recursion signifies a program's return to a subprogram to execute a more complex task, Kuskin argues that books similarly engage in recursive processes. They inherently imagine and enact a return to earlier moments of writing, bridging the past and present in a dynamic and meaningful way. "Recursive Origins" is more than a scholarly analysis; it's a passionate reclamation of the fifteenth century's vital role in shaping sixteenth-century literature. It forces us to confront the enduring influence of the past on the present and to appreciate the complex, non-linear nature of literary history. Through insightful readings and innovative theoretical frameworks, Kuskin offers a compelling argument for a more nuanced and interconnected understanding of literary development. This book is essential reading for scholars and students of medieval and early modern literature, as well as anyone interested in the intricate dance between tradition and innovation. Published by the University of Notre Dame Press, "Recursive Origins" is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched exploration of literary history that will change the way you think about the past and its enduring relevance to the present. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your understanding of literary history profoundly enriched. Kuskin's work is not just a contribution to the field; it's a paradigm shift.